Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Previously, I have posted about dragon fruits drinks. Dragon fruits could also be self-made or processed as enzymes. The process is quite simple and easy to make.

Step 1Thoroughly clean a large glass jar using hot water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly. Allow to air dry.Wash and air dry fresh and ripe fruit. Remove the peels, which can be used in a vegetable enzyme for cleaning or in compost. NOTE: Use a 3-1 ratio. This means Three (3) part fruit. One (1) part sugar (or honey).

Step 2Using your chosen fruit: pineapples, orange, lime, raspberry, lemon and apple are good choices. AS YOU CUT, layer the pieces of fruit in the jar. Do not lie the fruit outside of the jar or place on a counter. This can cause contamination. If you’re using pineapple, remove the eyes. Do not put the eyes into the fruit layer. Do not allow flies near your operation! The first layer of fruit should be 1/3 of the bottle.Step 3

Add a 1/3 layer of brown sugar (or honey) to the top of the fruit.

Step 4

Repeat this procedure another 2-3 times, alternating fruit and sugar as if making lasagna until the jar is full. The last layer should be sugar (or honey).IMPORTANT: Allow breathing room at the top of the jar. This allows the process to release natural gases.

Step 5FERMENTATIONDuring the first two weeks every 3 days shake the jar and stir the contents.

Step 6Re-seal the container, but not too tight. If you plan on using the enzyme for chronic illness: Allow the fruit to ferment for 1 month.For the best results allow the fruit to ferment for 4 months at which time the ph level should be 4.

Step 7HARVESTINGPour the enzyme into bottles glass bottles for storing using cheesecloth and funnel.

Step 8PRESERVATIONAlthough refrigeration isn’t necessary, the enzyme should be stored in a cool dry place.

Step 9CONSUMPTIONIdeally taken an hour prior to eating, place a tablespoon of enzyme under your tongue and swallow slowly. This is said to stimulate the nerves to promote blood circulation.Fruit enzymes are the ultimate healthy remedy

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I have written a technical paper which was presented in Plant Physiology Conference in Kota Kinabalu Sabah. The title of the paper was Challenges in Dragon Fruit Growing in Malaysia. It was co-authored with one of my colleagues.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

One of the report I have read that dragon seeds contains phytoalbumin besides antioxidants. The seeds are found in the pulp of the fruit. These are very small, colored black, and covered by mucilage.This is very interesting that this substance can cure cancer. This is an added value to dragon fruits to become medicinal plants. So far reports have shown that cancer are difficult to fight due to free radicals. Then, please encourage consumers to eat a lot of dragon fruits.It has alot of medicinal value in it.

A good source of natural dietary fiber, promoting regularity and weight loss.

Low in calories.

While, antioxidants can put off cholesterol from leaving their scratch on your body, they can also be used for a range of other problems. For instance, are you losing your vision at an early age? To your surprise, antioxidants can stop potential eye ailments such as cataracts. They also maintain your immune system in top shape, as it protects viruses from slowing you down. For this cause alone, antioxidants are amazing resources. They not only sustain your health, but they permit you to stop the hands of time, particularly if you are already noticing wrinkles and high blood pressure.

Obviously antioxidants are essential, but where can they be found? For decades, the average consumer understood that these chemicals were only found in luxurious organic foods. However, they can be found in the most simple of products. Broccoli, for example, is a brilliant source full of antioxidants. With the talent to lock doors on possible cancers and heart illness, these antioxidants indeed show your body that health is appropriate. Moreover, berries, spinach, and soy also have antioxidants. Since these foods are quite ordinary around the earth, anyone can easily buy these high in antioxidant foods at their local shop.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Normally farmers in Malaysia planted dragon fruits 3 meter X 3 meter, which makes 500 poles or stake to an acre using about 2,000 cuttings. However, with a high density planting concept (close planting) more plants could be planted to a unit area up to 10,000 plants per acre.I have seen a farm which practice this technique. In this way yield could be increase tremendously.

Friday, January 16, 2009

I have been away for a month and half and now I'm back again. From I what I observed my visitor's counter has hit 10K. Not bad.Actually during that absence I was doing my hajj pilgrimage in Makkah , Saudi Arabia. There I performed my prayer, thawaf, saie, wukuf , mabit and jamarat . During my presence, about 4 million people were there. They have to wear ihram ( 2- piece white seamless clothes for males). Every body is equal - rich or poor, strong or weak etc. No differences in races. Hajj video here.

The food in Saudi is very expensive . Fruits like banana may fetch up to USD 2 per kg. Apple -1 USD per piece.

The weather was extremely hot and hazy. In Madinah , 400 km north of Makkah. the weather was very cool in the morning - up 8 C.

Fruits like dragon fruits was hardly seen.However there is very great potential to export there.

About Me

I am a researcher working in tropical horticulture. I dealt with tropical fruits like durians,jackfruits, starfruits, dragonfruits, mango, wax apple, guavas etc. Besides, I am also doing research in landscape plants like heliconias. My hobbies are reading, travelling,gardening and blogging.

I am also engaged in agriculture consultancy with several agencies. Any contact can made through my email zainudinhaji@gmail.com or call 012 3535411